2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that had aged gracefully. Despite the lack of substantial changes over the years, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. Its dimensions were impressive, standing at 1,956 mm tall, 2,030 mm wide, and 5,210 mm long, with a wheelbase of 3,099 mm. The interior, however, revealed its age with a dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place in the modern SUV market. Yet, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a robust construction that catered to families.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX entered its fifth generation with a fresh design, built in Canada. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, offering more cargo space despite appearing smaller due to design tweaks. The RX featured a modern spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, giving it a contemporary look. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with digital instrumentation, a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays, and high-quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims. The RX offered a range of powertrains, including hybrid options, catering to a variety of preferences.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy of 9.9 L/100 km. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more composed ride. Both models provided superior pedal feel and modulation, although the turbo engine lacked the refinement of the previous V6.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia offered spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows, with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo area provided 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable cabin with premium materials and modern design elements. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim offered sportier seats with NuLuxe simulated leather. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo space measured 838 litres with the second row up and 1,308 litres with it folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL audio system. The Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain options and advanced infotainment features.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key technology. However, the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive set of airbags and safety systems.

The 2023 Lexus RX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction technology.